A survey of urban and rural participants in the Otago-Southland pilot breast cancer screening programme.

AIMS By surveying participants in a pilot breast cancer screening programme, to measure satisfaction with the screening service, to provide feedback for programme staff, to obtain an indication of future participation, and to collect information about costs to women. METHODS A self administered questionnaire was posted to representative samples of urban and rural women (total 474) who had participated in the Otago-Southland pilot breast cancer screening programme in its first year of operation. RESULTS There was a 93% response rate to the survey, after one reminder letter. Although some demographic characteristics of urban and rural women differed, their opinions about the screening programme were similar. Satisfaction with the service is extremely high, with 94% of respondents planning to participate again in two years. CONCLUSIONS The Otago-Southland pilot programme provides a service which is regarded as satisfactory by the great majority of participants.